Iran qualifies for next round by posting 3-1 victory over Belgium – Volleyball News
Iran defeated Belgium in the last match of the first round of the 2011 FIVB Men’s Junior World Championship on Wednesday, August 3. The Caio Martins sports hall in Niteroi, Brazil set up the field of play for a fixture between Iran and Belgium. The Iranians
proved to be the better team and pulled off success by posting a 3-1 (25-20, 23-25, 25-23, and 25-17) win. They finished the round with a final score of 2-1 but managed to qualify for the next stage of the tournament.
Sam Deroo of Belgium was named the top-scorer of the match as he contributed 19 points, while Iranian Amir Ghafour followed him in the second spot by scoring 17 points.
Iran lost too many easy points in the opening set. Belgium benefitted from the Iranian mistakes and built a lead of 8-3. Iran changed the strategy and jumped straight into action afterwards. Amir Ghafour developed good chemistry with the setter and produced
unstoppable cut shots as Iran chased the score to 9-all. Both teams attacked aggressively and remained close to each other but Iran managed to put an end to first set with a 25-20 win after 26-minutes of play.
Belgium was all up to seek revenge in the second set. They covered every inch of the court and jumped on every little opportunity to score points. The Iranian team was equally active and created frequent ties in second set. It was an even play by both sides
but Belgium captured the second set by posting 25-23.
The tussle continued in third set. Iran came up with hard-hitting and gained the control of operation. Belgium tried different attack strategies but couldn’t overcome the power of opponents. Finally, Iran claimed third set with better score. Belgium lost
the set by trailing behind with two points.
The tone and rhythm was set for Iran to finish the game in fourth set. They remained on the winning course and clinched success.
Sam Deroo, the Belgian Captain regretted the loss of last match of the first round. He said: “I am disappointed with the result, because we will not be advancing to the next round in Rio de Janeiro. We had a lot of opportunities, but we made too many mistakes
and that is what led to our loss." On contrary, Iranian skipper Farhad Salafzoon was more than happy after booking a slot in the next round. He said both teams fought well but his side got lucky and won the match. He complimented Belgium’s team by saying that
they are very, very strong team.
Jovica Cvetkovic, Iran Coach expressed his views about Belgium and also talked about the match. “I knew that Belgium was a strong opponent. It was a long and difficult match because we were tired after yesterday´s match. I think Belgium could be among the
two first teams, but we had more luck and opportunities in this match."
In the view of Belgium’s Coach Steven Vanmedegael, losing a match is the hardest thing but losing qualification is the worst thing. However, he hoped that his side will do well in the next matches. Belgium has now moved to Pool H with teams from Bulgaria,
Germany, and Puerto Rico and they will be playing in the matches from 9-16 positions.
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